Stories by Thomas Gillespie

Engaging content can not exist in a vacuum. It must respond to the times that created it, argues Thomas Gillespie, a PR pro fresh from an internship. In an age where politics, culture, entertainment and mass movements merge, PR pros must be quick, thorough and compassionate. They must lead the conversation, not react to it.

PR measurement need not be expensive or difficult. Moreover, with data proliferating in the digital environment, PR needs to measure its effort and demonstrate value. NRPR chief Nicole Rodrigues offers a review of measurement basics.

Agencies on the list represent a wide range of both industry specializations and core capabilities. They specialize in crisis communication, media relations, reputation management and public affairs to digital communications, social media, content creation and everything in between.

In a clawback that is considered highly unusual, McDonald’s sued its former CEO to recoup millions from his November 2019 departure package. Our authors contend the brand’s lawsuit signals a new chapter in how companies will approach PR crises in the era of #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.

Well-known publications with large circulation figures and numerous unique visitors to their online sites seem attractive targets for generating sales leads. However, placement in publications with small, targeted readerships might be a better route to generating leads and proving PR’s value.

When we build a company without brand standards, the result can sound like a person speaking a language we can’t understand.  Unfortunately, neither can customers.  Building standards is akin to creating a language that explains our brand. Unfortunately, sometimes we make this relatively simple process too difficult. A quartet of veteran communicators and marketers break down branding into small segments.

More than a few PR pros theorized that consumers would remember brands’ performance during the pandemic. The newest edition of the Axios-Harris Poll 100 confirms that theory. Grocery chains and pharmacies, among others, earned plaudits from consumers for being able to deliver on their brand promises during the first months of the pandemic.

[Editor’s Note: We spoke with Crystal Cooper Mathis, director of marketing and communications, SignatureFD, and Toni Harrison, CEO of Etched Communication, about launching DE&I communication in the midst

With all the changes the pandemic has imposed on consumers and businesses, it’s not a surprise that brand communicators have had to adapt their goals and strategies. Fortunately, the basics continue to work: monitoring the news and social media, crafting relevant messages and employing thought leadership, among other things. Being nimble and flexible also are key components.

Working from home may be with us long after the pandemic is gone. But how do you create a sense of culture and connection when staff is working from remote locations? Our author, who’s run a virtual PR firm for years, offers tips on how to build and maintain a corporate and team culture when employees are virtual.